What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback teaches you how to increase attention span, enhance mood, improve sleep and maximize relaxation without using medications. By measuring and feeding back brainwave activity with special software and equipment, you’ll train your brain to perform more efficiently and effectively.
By placing a sensor on the scalp, your brainwaves are instantly analyzed and converted into animated video game-like displays. This moment to moment feedback trains your brain to reproduce the desired brainwaves needed to correct imbalances. For example, the game only advances when you stay focused and relaxed as opposed to daydreaming and stressed. As you practice, your brain will adapt and sustain the desired state on its own without the need of the computer. There are no medications and the procedure is completely painless and non-invasive.
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Some neurofeedback applications:
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What is brain mapping or QEEG?
Before starting the Neurofeedback treatment, it is important to have an EEG, similar to what a neurologist would perform. The EEG is analyzed and converted to a brain map, also called a QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram). This test helps identify abnormal brainwave patterns by comparing to a database of symptom-free individuals of the same age and sex. After the test is analyzed, an individualized specific protocol is chosen to correct abnormal patterns with the neurofeedback therapy.
What are brainwaves?
Brainwaves are tiny electrical signals produced by the brain. Slow brainwaves are associated with less activity, such as sleeping. Faster brainwaves are characterized with more activity, such as being extremely alert or anxious. The following are common brainwave frequency patterns and associated states.
Delta 0-4 Hz (cycles per second) –Sleep, Dreaming 
Theta 4-8 Hz-Vsiualizing, Daydreaming, Creativity 
Alpha 8-12 Hz-Relaxation, Reflection 
Beta 12-20 Hz-Focused & 20-30 Hz Anxiety
EEG with all frequencies
This image is a classic ADD pattern in an EEG that shows too many slow alpha waves in areas where there should be faster beta waves. This is a typical pattern seen in someone with concentration difficulties.
This brain map image shows more detail than the EEG above. It pinpoints the exact origin the abnormal alpha levels which are seen in orange and determines the severity when compared to the norm. Aside from an ADD pattern this brain map also reveals a possible depression pattern.